Day 36 Alma 1

 We are starting a new book today in "The Book of Mormon"; The Book of Alma!

I found this cool reference that lets you visualize the people in the Book of Mormon, their timelines, and ancestry.  The website is Book of Mormon Online and it's cool!  Go check it out.

In Alma 1, there is an introduction to what was happening in the 1st and 2nd year of Alma the Younger 

Alma the Younger, Son of Alma

being the Chief Judge after King Mosiah 

King Mosiah, Nephite King, Son of Benjamin

 and his father Alma 

Alma, Nephite Prophet, Founder of the Church, Alma's father

passed away.  A man named Nehor 

Nehor, Nephite Apostate

started to preach against The Church of God and started his own church with different doctrines.  He had been teaching people that the teachers and priests who spoke and led a church should be financially supported by the church members and not work for their own sustenance.  He taught that teachers and priests should be popular and be held to a higher respect than everyone else.  It went against everything King Mosiah and Alma taught the People of Nephi.  Gideon 

Gideon, Nephite Patriot, killed by Nehor

argued with him and Nehor killed him.  

Because Nehor did this, he had to be judged by Alma the Younger.  Alma sentenced him to death for his crime of killing Gideon, teaching priestcraft, and shedding the blood of a righteous man.  They took him up to the Hill of Manti and he was put to death.

The people that followed Nehor did not repent and were continuing to teach the things of Nehor, persecuted the Church of God.   Alma the Younger said that even though this was happening, the Church of God was NOT to retaliate or be unkind to unbelievers and they were to be peacemakers.

There were some who followed Nehor's teachings and left the Church of God and had their names "blotted out", but the rest stayed true and faithful.  The people worked hard, stayed neat and tidy, helped the poor, fed them, and lived simply.

Because of their goodness and obedience, they began to become wealthy and blessed with abundance so that they could take care of the poor and needy.  They stayed humble and lived the commandments of God.

Likening this Chapter to myself

#1 It is important to follow the Prophets and Leaders of my faith so as not to be drawn away by those who teach popular beliefs that may not be true.

#2 Living Simply and serving in  love, being patient, not being angry or unkind, and being long suffering and humble are Christ like attributes and something I want to strive for always.

#3 When we are obedient God will bless us in many ways and with those blessings we can further bless others.

#4 Not everyone will follow Heavenly Father.  I am not to belittle, judge, or offend someone that doesn't believe as I do but rather show respect and show others that "I am Christian by my love".